Les Claypool on New Primus Music and Angine de Poitrine Comparisons: “There’s a New Life in This Band”

Les Claypool shares insights on fresh Primus energy, his Claypool Lennon Delirium project, and the surprising parallels with rising stars Angine de Poitrine.

A Fresh Burst of Creativity: Les Claypool’s Evolving Musical Journey

If you’ve ever been captivated by the quirky, genre-bending sounds of Primus or the psychedelic explorations of The Claypool Lennon Delirium, you’ll know there’s always more beneath the surface. Les Claypool recently sat down to talk about his latest work with Sean Ono Lennon and the invigorated energy that’s sparking new vibes in Primus, alongside unexpected nods to viral sensations Angine de Poitrine.

Their newest album, The Great Parrot-Ox And The Golden Egg Of Empathy, dropped in May and stands as the third collaboration from the duo behind The Claypool Lennon Delirium. The album twists through a psychedelic-prog narrative centered on an AI robot’s odd mission to turn humanity into paperclips — a bizarre but effective metaphor! Beyond the sci-fi surface, the record wrestles with themes of empathy, mortality, and the elusive concept of free will.

Claypool affectionately calls Lennon “Shiner,” and it’s clear these two have forged a brotherly bond over the three years spent crafting this challenging project. “Coming into the third record, we really wanted to do something special,” Les explained. “We bounced around ideas and eventually landed on this narrative. It was the longest and one of the toughest records I’ve ever made because sticking to a concept’s parameters makes you really focus.”

More Than Just AI: A Reflection on Empathy and Society

While the album sparked chatter about AI’s looming impact on humanity, Claypool insists the real heart of the work is a spotlight on society’s empathy deficit. “Funny thing is, the AI storyline popped up three years ago when AI tech was still on the horizon,” Les said. “It wasn’t the focus — it was just the vessel for the story. The core message is about the loss of empathy we’re experiencing in society.”

That’s a heavy, timely subject, but Claypool’s take is anything but bleak. His ability to balance weighty topics with humor has been a hallmark of his writing. “I grew up around a lot of alcoholism and drug abuse,” he shared. “Our family always dealt with heavy stuff through humor — it’s how I’ve always processed things.” Remember Primus’s debut anti-war anthem “Too Many Puppies”? It’s a perfect example: a serious message cloaked in playful, metaphorical storytelling.

Humor, Honesty, and the Art of Perspective

Les is also candid about the ongoing debate around whether artists should use their platforms for social or political commentary. His view is refreshingly balanced: “There’s always something to get worked up about, and it’s especially apparent here in the States. I have friends and family with different views, but that doesn’t mean one side’s right and the other’s wrong.” Instead, he champions empathy and open dialogue, even when opinions clash.

“Cross-pollinisation is the key to moving forward and all of us understanding each other and having empathy. That’s something we tackle on ‘The Great Parrot-Ox.’”
— Les Claypool

Facing the AI Revolution in Music

With AI-generated music becoming more common, many musicians feel uneasy. Les Claypool offers a pragmatic perspective: “AI is here to stay. We’ve got to figure out how to make it help rather than hinder.” While AI might replace some commercial gigs — like music for ads or films — Claypool believes real fans will always crave authentic, live performances by genuine artists.

Winning New Fans and Embracing Nostalgia

Primus’s recent U.S. tour revealed a welcome surprise: younger fans showing up in droves. Les attributes this partly to the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia but also to something more organic. “Primus shows are very human — lots of improvisation, no click tracks, no pre-programmed nonsense, and visuals that are different every night,” he enthused. This ever-changing experience keeps the music fresh and the audience on their toes.

The Upcoming UK & European Tour: A Rejuvenated Primus

After nearly a decade away, Primus is heading back to the UK and Europe for their 2026 tour, this time with new drummer John Hoffman. Les describes Hoffman’s journey as the underdog story of the tour’s audition process. “He had to submit twice before we even gave him a shot, but he’s spectacular,” Claypool says, highlighting the infectious new energy Hoffman brings to the band.

“There’s a new life in this band that we haven’t seen in many years,” Les reveals. “On stage, he’s smiling and having the time of his life, and that energy is catching on with the rest of us and the audience. You’ll see a rejuvenated Primus on this tour.”

The Drum Derby and Finding the Right Fit

The search for Hoffman wasn’t just a casual audition. After longtime drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander stepped away unexpectedly, Primus launched a nationwide open call — dubbed the “Drum Derby.” The process even attracted surprise candidates, like bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings.

“It was a bit strange because we were all getting along so well and then Herb just left,” Claypool reflects. “Since this was the third time he left, and we didn’t have a ready replacement, we decided to open it up to whoever was out there. We got lucky with John.”

New Music on the Horizon

Primus recently released the EP A Handful Of Nuggs, teasing fans with fresh sounds. Les confirms a full album is underway: “Think of it like a big stove with lots of pots cooking. Every now and then, I pull one pot to the front and that’s what’s next.” The EP’s lead track, “The Ol’ Grizz,” serves as a preview for the upcoming record, which they'll continue shaping throughout the year.

Tour Talks and Future Collaborations

There was buzz earlier this year about a potential joint tour with Maynard James Keenan’s projects — Puscifer and A Perfect Circle — but promoters didn’t bite. Les suspects Europe’s long gap without Primus contributed to underestimating their appeal. “Now we’re back, shows are selling out, and people see we still have relevance,” he notes.

Discussing the challenges new artists face, Les points to viral breakout Angine de Poitrine as evidence that real musicianship still resonates with audiences. “People want to see genuine artists who can play live,” he says. “Maybe it’s a reaction to AI? Who knows, but I think it’s coming full circle.”

What Connects Primus and Angine de Poitrine?

Les sees a shared spirit: both bands aren’t chasing mainstream approval but instead follow what makes them smile and laugh. “One of my main goals has always been to make our guitarist Larry LaLonde laugh,” Claypool shares. “If I can write something that cracks him up, I know I’m onto something.”

He admires how Angine de Poitrine seems to be having a blast doing their own thing, with a style that’s “very original, very odd, and very cool looking.”

Words of Wisdom for Emerging Artists

Asked what advice he has for new musicians, Claypool’s answer is simple and heartfelt: “Shoot from the hip and be yourself. John Hoffman won the drum spot because he was genuine — nervous but real. People connect with that honesty.”

He’s seen bands like Primus thrive because they were authentic and unpolished in ways that resonated with fans. “You never know what’s going to happen, but being honest and letting your creativity flow is always the most appealing.”

Other Projects on the Horizon

Les Claypool’s plate is always full. Aside from the new Primus album and ongoing Delirium collaborations, he’s got a project with Billy Strings that started three years ago but needs finishing. Plus, there’s exciting talk with Sean Ono Lennon about turning The Great Parrot-Ox album into a stage play or even a fully animated theatrical piece — ambitious plans that will take time and investment.

Primus’s European tour rolls on, with stops lined up in Glasgow, London, and ArcTanGent, promising fans a taste of that renewed spirit Les Claypool described.

FAQ

• How long did it take to make The Great Parrot-Ox And The Golden Egg Of Empathy?
  The album took about three years to complete, marking it as one of Claypool and Lennon’s most challenging projects.
• What themes does the Claypool Lennon Delirium album explore?
  Besides a quirky AI-driven narrative, it deeply explores themes of empathy, mortality, and free will.
• Who is Primus’s new drummer and how did he join?
  John Hoffman joined after an open audition process called the Drum Derby, impressing the band with his genuine style and skill.
• Is there a new full-length Primus album coming?
  Yes, following the A Handful Of Nuggs EP, a full album is in progress, with “The Ol’ Grizz” as its first single.
• What advice does Les Claypool have for new musicians today?
  Be authentic, enjoy the process, and don’t obsess over success metrics — play because you love it.

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